Evolve Psychology Services Ltd

29/04/2026

If you’re on a waiting list and wondering…
“Is this normal play… or something more?”
You’re not alone, play can tell us a lot about a child’s development - but it doesn’t always look the way we expect.

🕧While you’re waiting, here are things to notice (not judge):
- Do they prefer playing alone or alongside others?
- Do they repeat the same activities often?
- Do they move quickly between toys or struggle to stay engaged?
- Do they avoid imaginative play or prefer patterns, puzzles, or sensory activities?
These differences can be linked to things like autism or ADHD - but they’re also just clues, not conclusions.

💡 What you can do now:
• Follow your child’s interests in play
• Keep a note of patterns you’re seeing
• Share observations with school
• Don’t rush to correct how they play
Play isn’t about doing things “the right way.” It’s about connection, safety, and learning and everything you’re noticing now, will help build a clearer picture later.

Read our blog on this now! Link here: https://evolvepsychology.com/resources/education/the-importance-of-play 🔗

27/04/2026

Come and join our FREE webinar and learn how to create a neuroinclusive classroom

In this webinar we will cover why it's important to create a more neuroinclusive school and some practical quick steps you can use.

24/04/2026

You might hear things like:
“He just needs to try harder”
“She’s not focusing”
“They’re capable, but not applying themselves”
And start to wonder… is this behaviour, or something more?

For many children, feedback like this can actually be early signs of something like dyslexia - especially when the effort is there, but the outcome doesn’t match.
It’s not always obvious, and it’s not always picked up straight away.

Understanding what might be behind these comments can help shift the conversation from frustration → support.

If you’ve been hearing similar feedback from school, this blog breaks it down clearly and simply.

🔗 https://evolvepsychology.com/resources/dyslexia/feedback-from-school-that-might-be-signs-of-dyslexia

17/04/2026

We’re seeing more and more parents asking about PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) - especially when trying to understand their child’s behaviour or assessment outcome.
It’s completely understandable. The language around PDA is becoming more widely used, particularly in schools and online, and many families want clarity on what it means.

Clinically, PDA is not a standalone diagnosis.
However, some children may present with a demand avoidant profile within autism, which helps explain patterns such as:
• Avoiding everyday demands
• High anxiety around expectations
• A strong need for control
• Using distraction, delay, or negotiation

Understanding this profile can be really helpful - not as a label in itself, but as a way of guiding more supportive, effective approaches.
If you’ve previously received a report or are going through assessment, it’s okay to have questions about this. You’re not alone in that.

The most important thing isn’t the wording, it’s making sure your child is understood and supported in the right way.

You can read more about PDA in our blog here https://evolvepsychology.com/resources/communication/pathological-demand-avoidance-pda

15/04/2026

'Children with maths dyslexia are set up to fail' is the heading of an article published today by the BBC about a young girl from Bedale with a dyscalculia diagnosis.

We chatted to Cherrida, the team lead of our specific learning difficulties service, about her take on it...

“Struggling with numeracy is more than an educational challenge; it can have a profound impact on a person’s self-esteem.”

For a lot of people, maths difficulties aren’t just about numbers, they affect confidence, school experiences, and how someone starts to view themselves.
Dyscalculia can feel very personal, especially when it hasn’t been recognised yet. But it’s not about intelligence, it’s about how someone processes and understands numbers, often alongside lots of other strengths.

“Early recognition leads to swifter intervention and more positive outcomes.”

The right support can make a real difference, by using visual aids, repeating key concepts, breaking things into smaller steps, allowing extra time, and linking maths to real-life situations in a more hands-on way.

“Addressing dyscalculia is vital in enabling individuals to gain clarity about their learning profile, develop confidence, and realise their potential.”

When things start to make sense, everything can feel a bit more manageable.

Read the full article here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9v091j80zwo

15/04/2026

For many individuals and families, getting the right understanding and support can feel unclear or delayed. This service is designed to provide clarity, guidance, and a compassionate, in-depth assessment process to help identify intellectual disability and inform next steps.

Appointments are available in person at:
📍 Harrogate
📍 Huddersfield
📍 Newcastle

Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or supporting a child or family member, our experienced clinicians are here to listen, understand, and support you every step of the way.

Having the right information can make all the difference in education, daily life, and long-term support.

Learn more or book via the link: https://evolvepsychology.com/services/intellectual-disability

13/04/2026

“I can explain it out loud… but writing it down is really difficult.”

Cesur, 17, shares his experience of dyslexia and ADHD in one of our upcoming modules.

Something we hear often is:
- The ability is there
- The difficulty is in how it’s accessed

From losing focus, to being misunderstood at school, to finding strategies that actually help - this is what real lived experience looks like.
When we understand the why, we can support the how.

10/04/2026

“I can explain it out loud… but writing it down is really difficult.”

Cesur, 17, shares his experience of dyslexia and ADHD, and something we hear often:
- The ability is there
- The difficulty is in how it’s accessed

From losing focus, to being misunderstood at school, to finding strategies that actually help - this is what real lived experience looks like.
When we understand the why, we can support the how.

https://evolveskillsacademy.com/training/b2c

10/04/2026

“I can explain it out loud… but writing it down is really difficult.”

Cesur, 17, shares his experience of dyslexia and ADHD, and something we hear often:
- The ability is there
- The difficulty is in how it’s accessed

From losing focus, to being misunderstood at school, to finding strategies that actually help - this is what real lived experience looks like.

When we understand the why, we can support the how.

In this webinar two clinicians summarise neurodiversity, discuss strengths and challenges and strategies, and we hear from young people with lived experience - coming soon...

08/04/2026

Getting a diagnosis later in life can change everything 🤗

'My life struggles now make sense...'

We're always extremely grateful for the feedback we receive.
Not only does it help us continually improve and provide the best possible experience, it also allows us to understand the real impact a diagnosis can have on you as an individual or as a family - and that’s exactly why we do what we do.

If you're an adult seeking a diagnosis, you can access this through either the private pathway, the Right to Choose (UK) pathway or the Assessment of Need (Ireland) pathway

For more information visit evolvepsychology.com OR evolvepsychology.ie🔗

06/04/2026

Rob came to Evolve for an adult autism assessment after years of reflecting on his experiences and wanting a clearer understanding, not only for himself but to better understand his neurodivergent daughter. After his assessment, he received a diagnosis of autism.

In our conversation, Rob shared why he decided to pursue a diagnosis later in life, what the process was like for him, and the benefits he found in gaining that clarity.

Everyone has a different reason for pursuing a neurodevelopmental assessment, there is no right or wrong.

To hear more about Rob's story, make sure you're following us 🤝

03/04/2026

“Play is the work of children” - but what if your child’s play looks different?

If your child prefers to play alone, repeats the same activities, avoids group games, or becomes overwhelmed during playtime… it can be hard not to worry.
But play differences don’t mean something is “wrong.”

They can be a window into how your child experiences the world.
For example:
• Some children repeat play to feel safe and in control
• Some avoid group play because it’s overwhelming
• Some prefer logical or sensory play over imagination

Children with ADHD may:
• Move quickly between activities
• Struggle to wait or take turns
• Need more physical, active play

💡 What matters most isn’t how your child plays, but how supported they feel while doing it.
You don’t need to “fix” play.

You can support it by:
• Following their lead
• Joining in without pressure
• Allowing repetition
• Keeping play fun and connection-focused

If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone , and you’re not overreacting.

Understanding your child better can change everything, and at Evolve we're here to support you on that journey.

You can access a range of neurodevelopmental assessments through either the Right to Choose pathway (UK), the Assessment of Need pathway (Ireland) or the private pathway via this link

www.evolvepsychology.com / www.evolvepsychology.ie